President George W. Bush continues to lobby for many conservative judicial nominees for the federal appeals courts and Supreme Court. As the United States Senate engaged in an all-night floor debate, we, as Americans, should step back, look at what has been going on and recognize the impact the final decisions will have on our lives.

Ten of Bush's nominees for the federal appeals courts have been blocked by filibusters.

Bush said there ought to be a fair hearing and the matter should get an up or down vote on the floor. He said that the judicial nominees should be people who would follow the law.

Democratic Party Leader Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada said that a crisis is unfolding that threatens some of the nation's founding principles.

Regardless of our positions on these issues, it should make each of us as citizens realize how important our vote is.

When President Bush was re-elected in 2004, he was elected to a four-year term, but the decisions he is making will have a lifetime impact on us and our children.

Bush's legacy will continue long after he is out of office through the people he appoints to these juducial seats. When you elect a President, you are also indirectly electing judges for life who will determine the fate of how the United States Constitution will be interpreted.

For those of you who got out, campaigned, voted and are pleased with President Bush's decisions, more power to you. Continue to stay involved.

However, if you feel like the nomimnees President Bush is attempting to appoint would take our nation in the wrong direction, we urge you to not forget your feelings right now.

When November 2006 rolls around, go out, do the research and find a candidate you believe will represent you to the best of his or her ability and cast your vote accordingly.

If we sit back on the sidelines and watch, we will ultimately not be represented fairly.

The future of our nation is not the next election or even the election after that.